Stem programs in Denver, CO

This camp teaches what it truly means to CODE, allowing students to develop their problem-solving skills using a hands-on approach in fun and interactive ways. Take the initial leap into the realm of "real coding," transitioning away from drag-and-drop interfaces. Students delve into the core principles of programming, mastering crucial elements such as syntax, code commenting, and control structures (including for loops, if/else statements, and while loops) to enhance overall code readability. The curriculum uses Stanford University's Karel programming language, a pre-JavaScript language that serves as a prerequisite for incoming university freshmen. Recommended for ages 10+, or some 9-year-olds with strong keyboarding skills. Note that if your kiddo is enthusiastic about learning to code, but perhaps not the best typer yet...we recommend using the TypingClub.com learn-to-type online and gamified learning tool. It's free and highly effective! If your student enjoys this camp, the next coding class in the progression is Python Programming - one of the most widely used programming languages in the world.

Embark on an exciting journey to master the fundamentals of Modding Minecraft that uses an age-appropriate block coding format. Unleash your creativity as you discover how to modify your Minecraft worlds, customize players, and enhance gear – all within a friendly and accessible learning environment. Dive into a curated collection of pre-generated worlds and engaging tasks designed to instill the core principles of "Modding" (short for modifying). Tailored for young Minecraft enthusiasts, this camp offers a unique opportunity to explore and personalize Minecraft worlds while acquiring fundamental skills in the art of Modding. Join us for a fun and educational experience where imagination knows no bounds! NOTE: This camp requires a Minecraft Account, available here: https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/store/minecraft-java-edition . If your student enjoys this type of camp, be sure to check out Junior Game Designers in Scratch Programming, LEGO Robotics, or our new Roblox camp!

One of Silicon STEM's most popular camps - the perfect introduction to the LEGO® Mindstorms robotics platform. Campers will choose different machine-style builds and code the robots using the EV3 programming application. Using block-based programming modules, students will instruct their robot in a variety of tasks; depending on the build, this may include a sorting procedure, pick & place routine, or a balancing algorithm. If your student is a hands-on tinkerer-type kiddo, then this is your camp! The Mindstorms platform is a popular robotics platform widely used in middle and high schools today - great get ahead plan! This camp is a collaborative; students are asked to work in pairs.

Camp Description: Learn the basics of designing and coding your own games in Roblox. Explore a selection of pre-generated worlds and tasks as you learn the fundamentals of coding in Roblox's Lua. Using Roblox Studio, campers will design a variety of different games of their own. Prerequisite: Please set up free a Roblox account prior to the start of this camp: https://www.roblox.com/account/signupredir (Please provide your login details.) Also, bring a keen interest in Roblox! Ages: 8 - 12 If your student enjoys this camp, you may also want to consider Jr. Programmers in Scratch or Jr. Minecraft Modding.

Camp Description: In this camp, young authors will explore the creative process of book writing with the help of Generative AI tools. Whether fiction, fantasy, anime, or autobiography is their style, we’ll start by brainstorming & outlining our stories to prepare for the AI process. Campers will then use AI tools, such as ChatGPT, to develop content for their books, learning how to refine their AI prompts for best results. They’ll also edit their books the old-fashioned way! Once satisfied with their written content, they’ll create engaging illustrations using MidJourney AI, adding detailed prompts that will generate stunning visuals for their text. Campers will leave with a digital copy of their books, ready to share with friends and family. We’ll offer tips on how to self-publish your book from home. Prerequisites: Basic typing skills and a creative vision. Please bring a USB drive to bring their work home on Friday. Ages: 12 - 17 If they enjoyed this camp, they'll like Become a YouTube Content Creator!

Python is one of the most popular programming languages today, known for its simplicity, efficiency, and readability. In this camp, students will explore the fundamentals of Python, including variables, user input, operators, and control structures. They’ll gain hands-on experience with common programming applications and develop a solid understanding of Python’s versatility. Prerequisite: Coding 101 or prior command-line coding experience (block coding not applicable). Ages: 10+ Students who enjoy learning Python may like to consider a Game Design camp or a more hands-on engineering-oriented camp.

This camp is perfect for campers of all skill levels who want to create exciting, multi-level games to share with friends and family! Using the Flowlab game creator, no coding experience is required, but campers will have unlimited creative freedom to design interactive 2D games, inspired by classics like Super Mario, Donkey Kong, and Space Invaders. They'll create their own characters, environments, and projectiles, then build game logic with behaviors like physics, triggers, and more to control sprite actions and game flow. Advanced campers can even export their games to Android or iOS app stores! NOTE: No camps will be held on Friday, July 4th, in recognition of Independence Day. Prerequisite: Keyboarding skills, no coding required. Ages: 9+ If your camper enjoys this experience, they may also love our Minecraft Modding or other Game Design camps.

Rocket Academy is designed to introduce basic rocketry concepts as our campers design, build and launch their own rockets. We’ll explore how rockets operate, then launch a series of different types of rockets with a range of propulsion types. Campers will learn the basic principles of propulsion – the thrust equation, conservation of mass, momentum and energy. Model rocketry has been credited as a significant source of inspiration for budding scientists and engineers!

This camp teaches what it truly means to CODE, allowing students to develop their problem-solving skills using a hands-on approach in fun and interactive ways. Take the initial leap into the realm of "real coding," transitioning away from drag-and-drop interfaces. Students delve into the core principles of programming, mastering crucial elements such as syntax, code commenting, and control structures (including for loops, if/else statements, and while loops) to enhance overall code readability. The curriculum uses Stanford University's Karel programming language, a pre-JavaScript language that serves as a prerequisite for incoming university freshmen. Recommended for ages 10+, or some 9-year-olds with strong keyboarding skills. Note that if your kiddo is enthusiastic about learning to code, but perhaps not the best typer yet...we recommend using the TypingClub.com learn-to-type online and gamified learning tool. It's free and highly effective! If your student enjoys this camp, the next coding class in the progression is Python Programming - one of the most widely used programming languages in the world.

This camp teaches what it truly means to CODE, allowing students to develop their problem-solving skills using a hands-on approach in fun and interactive ways. Take the initial leap into the realm of "real coding," transitioning away from drag-and-drop interfaces. Students delve into the core principles of programming, mastering crucial elements such as syntax, code commenting, and control structures (including for loops, if/else statements, and while loops) to enhance overall code readability. The curriculum uses Stanford University's Karel programming language, a pre-JavaScript language that serves as a prerequisite for incoming university freshmen. Recommended for ages 10+, or some 9-year-olds with strong keyboarding skills. Note that if your kiddo is enthusiastic about learning to code, but perhaps not the best typer yet...we recommend using the TypingClub.com learn-to-type online and gamified learning tool. It's free and highly effective! If your student enjoys this camp, the next coding class in the progression is Python Programming - one of the most widely used programming languages in the world.

Perfect for beginners, this camp offers an exciting introduction to coding for future game designers and programmers. Using Scratch, a fun and interactive platform developed by MIT, students will learn to animate characters, design engaging games, and craft creative stories through visual block coding. No prior coding experience is necessary. Please note: there will be no camp on Friday, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day. Prerequisites: Basic keyboarding skills and a creative mind. Ages: 7-10 This camp is an excellent stepping-stone for our Junior Minecraft programs!

Camp Description: In this camp, young authors will explore the creative process of book writing with the help of Generative AI tools. Whether fiction, fantasy, anime, or autobiography is their style, we’ll start by brainstorming & outlining our stories to prepare for the AI process. Campers will then use AI tools, such as ChatGPT, to develop content for their books, learning how to refine their AI prompts for best results. They’ll also edit their books the old-fashioned way! Once satisfied with their written content, they’ll create engaging illustrations using MidJourney AI, adding detailed prompts that will generate stunning visuals for their text. Campers will leave with a digital copy of their books, ready to share with friends and family. We’ll offer tips on how to self-publish your book from home. Prerequisites: Basic typing skills and a creative vision. Please bring a USB drive to bring their work home on Friday. Ages: 12 - 17 If they enjoyed this camp, they'll like Become a YouTube Content Creator!

Unlock the advanced world of 3D modeling and printing in this hands-on, project-based camp! Students will dive deeper into CAD design, mastering advanced techniques like parametric design, complex assemblies, and topology optimization to create efficient, functional models. They’ll explore and refine their skills with advanced slicing settings, including infill patterns, print speed optimization, and layer height adjustments. Post-processing techniques such as sanding, smoothing, and custom finishing will be introduced, ensuring that students’ creations are both visually stunning and durable. As they complete their designs, students will bring their models to life with 3D printing, and many of their projects will be printed throughout the week. Please note: pick-up may be required for projects after camp hours. Prerequisite: Introduction to 3D Printing Ages: 9+

Unlock the advanced world of 3D modeling and printing in this hands-on, project-based camp! Students will dive deeper into CAD design, mastering advanced techniques like parametric design, complex assemblies, and topology optimization to create efficient, functional models. They’ll explore and refine their skills with advanced slicing settings, including infill patterns, print speed optimization, and layer height adjustments. Post-processing techniques such as sanding, smoothing, and custom finishing will be introduced, ensuring that students’ creations are both visually stunning and durable. As they complete their designs, students will bring their models to life with 3D printing, and many of their projects will be printed throughout the week. Please note: pick-up may be required for projects after camp hours. Prerequisite: Introduction to 3D Printing Ages: 9+

Rocket Academy is designed to introduce basic rocketry concepts as our campers design, build and launch their own rockets. We’ll explore how rockets operate, then launch a series of different types of rockets with a range of propulsion types. Campers will learn the basic principles of propulsion – the thrust equation, conservation of mass, momentum and energy. Model rocketry has been credited as a significant source of inspiration for budding scientists and engineers!

Embark on an exciting journey to master the fundamentals of Modding Minecraft that uses an age-appropriate block coding format. Unleash your creativity as you discover how to modify your Minecraft worlds, customize players, and enhance gear – all within a friendly and accessible learning environment. Dive into a curated collection of pre-generated worlds and engaging tasks designed to instill the core principles of "Modding" (short for modifying). Tailored for young Minecraft enthusiasts, this camp offers a unique opportunity to explore and personalize Minecraft worlds while acquiring fundamental skills in the art of Modding. Join us for a fun and educational experience where imagination knows no bounds! NOTE: This camp requires a Minecraft Account, available here: https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/store/minecraft-java-edition . If your student enjoys this type of camp, be sure to check out Junior Game Designers in Scratch Programming, LEGO Robotics, or our new Roblox camp!

Embark on an exciting journey to master the fundamentals of Modding Minecraft that uses an age-appropriate block coding format. Unleash your creativity as you discover how to modify your Minecraft worlds, customize players, and enhance gear – all within a friendly and accessible learning environment. Dive into a curated collection of pre-generated worlds and engaging tasks designed to instill the core principles of "Modding" (short for modifying). Tailored for young Minecraft enthusiasts, this camp offers a unique opportunity to explore and personalize Minecraft worlds while acquiring fundamental skills in the art of Modding. Join us for a fun and educational experience where imagination knows no bounds! NOTE: This camp requires a Minecraft Account, available here: https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/store/minecraft-java-edition . If your student enjoys this type of camp, be sure to check out Junior Game Designers in Scratch Programming, LEGO Robotics, or our new Roblox camp!

The use of Virtual Reality is changing the face of computing and user applications before our very eyes! This camp teaches one of the most advanced VR design applications in the industry, Blocksmith, which allows students to easily make VR/AR experiences, games & more for both desktop and mobile. Students will design their own 3D environments and then immerse themselves into it with our Oculus Quest. This camp offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for participants to dive into the future of technology and design in the captivating realm of Virtual Reality. If your student enjoys this camp, they may also like our 3D Printing & CAD camps.

Calling all Minecrafters! If your kiddo is crazy about Minecraft, then this camp will take their passion to the next level by teaching them how to create their own “mods” (short for modifying) to use in their Minecraft worlds. Campers learn how to customize their Minecraft games by creating whole new worlds, biomes and characters. New this year is that campers will use a drag & drop Java-based code editor called MCreator - enabling an easy to use and highly dynamic mod developer interface. Additionally, the program provides an introduction to Java programming required to bring their mods to life. Parents note that Game Design is often considered a gateway to learning to code! If your kiddo loves this camp, try our Coding and Game Design camps!

Perfect for beginners, this camp offers an exciting introduction to coding for future game designers and programmers. Using Scratch, a fun and interactive platform developed by MIT, students will learn to animate characters, design engaging games, and craft creative stories through visual block coding. No prior coding experience is necessary. Please note: there will be no camp on Friday, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day. Prerequisites: Basic keyboarding skills and a creative mind. Ages: 7-10 This camp is an excellent stepping-stone for our Junior Minecraft programs!

Perfect for beginners, this camp offers an exciting introduction to coding for future game designers and programmers. Using Scratch, a fun and interactive platform developed by MIT, students will learn to animate characters, design engaging games, and craft creative stories through visual block coding. No prior coding experience is necessary. Please note: there will be no camp on Friday, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day. Prerequisites: Basic keyboarding skills and a creative mind. Ages: 7-10 This camp is an excellent stepping-stone for our Junior Minecraft programs!